I'm looking for some suggestions on router bits to purchase.
Here's the situation: I've worked with basic woodworking for a while,
but always "rough" stuff (deck, wooden playset), or basic stuff like
shelves in the basement, garage, etc. I'm starting to get interested
in making better quality items, like simple furniture (end tables,
benches, etc.). This is just a hobby, not my job, so I'm not looking
at needing top of the line, super heavy duty items.
Recently I had an opportunity to get one of the Ryobi 1803 three base
router kits (without going into all the details, a friend had one that
was opened, but unused and he let me have it for $50. And no, it
wasn't "hot"<G>). Along with the router he gave me a basic Harbor
Freight 15 piece 1/4" shank carbide bit set. I know the harbor
freight stuff is pretty much junk, but I figure if nothing else it
would give me something to start with while I'm learning, and as my
needs (and skill) improve I would buy better quaility bits as I need
them.
However, Woodcraft is now running their router bit sale. They have 10
basic 1/2" shank bits, all for $5. I'd like to take advantage of this
sale and purchase three or four bits, but I really don't have a feel
for what bits I'm most likely to use, and I can't afford all 10 at
this time (especially if I won't hardly use some of them).
Sorry for the long winded build up, but my question is: Of the ones
currently on sale at Woodcraft, What bits are the most likely I'll use
for my needs; basic furniture and similar items.
If nothing else, I thought I might lean toward three or four of the
more expensive ones, figuring that if I end up needing the other ones
after the sale, it won't be as much of a price jump.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Mike O.
I like the idea of buying cheap bits for rough work, and learning to use
your router with bits that won't make you cry if you ruin them (that's what
I did).
OTOH - there can be a significant in the quality of the outcome with a
better bit, especially on harder woods, at least so my minimal experience
shows me. On softer woods it does not seem to make as much difference.
"Mike O." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm looking for some suggestions on router bits to purchase.
> Here's the situation: I've worked with basic woodworking for a while,
> but always "rough" stuff (deck, wooden playset), or basic stuff like
> shelves in the basement, garage, etc. I'm starting to get interested
> in making better quality items, like simple furniture (end tables,
> benches, etc.). This is just a hobby, not my job, so I'm not looking
> at needing top of the line, super heavy duty items.
>
> Recently I had an opportunity to get one of the Ryobi 1803 three base
> router kits (without going into all the details, a friend had one that
> was opened, but unused and he let me have it for $50. And no, it
> wasn't "hot"<G>). Along with the router he gave me a basic Harbor
> Freight 15 piece 1/4" shank carbide bit set. I know the harbor
> freight stuff is pretty much junk, but I figure if nothing else it
> would give me something to start with while I'm learning, and as my
> needs (and skill) improve I would buy better quaility bits as I need
> them.
>
> However, Woodcraft is now running their router bit sale. They have 10
> basic 1/2" shank bits, all for $5. I'd like to take advantage of this
> sale and purchase three or four bits, but I really don't have a feel
> for what bits I'm most likely to use, and I can't afford all 10 at
> this time (especially if I won't hardly use some of them).
>
> Sorry for the long winded build up, but my question is: Of the ones
> currently on sale at Woodcraft, What bits are the most likely I'll use
> for my needs; basic furniture and similar items.
>
> If nothing else, I thought I might lean toward three or four of the
> more expensive ones, figuring that if I end up needing the other ones
> after the sale, it won't be as much of a price jump.
>
> Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> Mike O.
On 3 Sep 2004 06:15:33 -0700, [email protected] (Mike O.) wrote:
>I'm looking for some suggestions on router bits to purchase.
<snip>
>If nothing else, I thought I might lean toward three or four of the
>more expensive ones, figuring that if I end up needing the other ones
>after the sale, it won't be as much of a price jump.
>
>Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
>Mike O.
I recommend buying router bits as needed. You can put a lot of money
into bits you will never use. I recommend 1/2" shank Whiteside router
bits. There are other US-made bits that are good too, maybe not so
expensive. I'd stay away from is bits made in Taiwan or China.
the best advice I can give came from WOOD a while ago, and that's buy a big
set of ok quality and as the more used bits where out, replace them with a
high quality ones, that way you have the bits for every job and you know
what bit's use really use.
U-CDK_CHARLES\Charles wrote:
> On 3 Sep 2004 06:15:33 -0700, Mike O. <[email protected]> wrote:
>> I'm looking for some suggestions on router bits to purchase.
>> Here's the situation: I've worked with basic woodworking for a while,
>> but always "rough" stuff (deck, wooden playset), or basic stuff like
>> shelves in the basement, garage, etc. I'm starting to get interested
>> in making better quality items, like simple furniture (end tables,
>> benches, etc.). This is just a hobby, not my job, so I'm not looking
>> at needing top of the line, super heavy duty items.
>>
>
> Okay, HUGE warning: Router bits and clamps are religions. Some might
> say that Unisaw and Powermatic are religions, but compared to router
> bits, saw are mere opinions.
>
> An inexpensive set won't kill you, and will can give you ideas like,
> "Hey, I'm using this thingy a LOT, so maybe it's worth getting a better
> one."
>
> If you get the bug, you might want to buy a couple bits from various
> brands and see what works and what doesn't.
>
> <blasphemy> For things like a 1/2" straight cutter, I've found the
> Oldhams bits sold by HD to be Good Enough. <\blasphemy>
>
> With more money, you get a better polish on complex profiles, plus
> thicker carbide for more resharpenings. You also get better balance on
> large diameter bits, but at that point you may want to think "Shaper."
>
> I've been sampling bits from Whiteside, Amana, and CMT lately. All of
> them seem to be Way Better Than Good Enough.
Well, that set me laughing. Now, let's both bare our souls for a minute, I
bought a "kit" of 7 bits and have 3 that I have not used to date, though I
have had to buy others that were not in the kit.
How many of the 10 in your kit still retain their shine? <g>
Greg
"patriarch " <<patriarch> wrote in message ...
>>> Sorry for the long winded build up, but my question is: Of the ones
>>> currently on sale at Woodcraft, What bits are the most likely I'll
>>> use for my needs; basic furniture and similar items.
>>
>
> I don't often disagree with Greg, and I don't really in this case.
> However
> (and there's generally a however), when I need a router bit which I don't
> already have on hand, it stops what I'm doing, and sends me down to the
> woodworker's store, in a frame of mind to spend. Seldom am I able to get
> out of there with just the $9 blurfl (or $17 whatzzit) that I went in
> there
> to purchase.
>
> So the $50 I spent on the 10 piece set at Woodcraft today actually SAVED
> money! Yea, that's it. I saved money by buying the set! Because I won't
> go into the store and buy something I won't know I'll need, until I can't
> find it, and have to buy another one....
>
> These $5 router bits aren't Whiteside or Freud, but they are a really good
> value for $5 each. If you consider that after a couple of hundred lineal
> feet of routing, they start to get somewhat dull, then.... For a
> commercial shop, I'd buy the Whiteside quality, and have them sharpened by
> a good service.
>
> The alternatives are hand tools, which our fathers and grandfathers
> sharpened themselves.
>
> Use that router safely. www.patwarner.com for details.
>
> Patriarch
"Mike O." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
I am not one to usually buy sets or cheap bits. However, I did order 6 of
the $5 Woodcraft bits myself to add to my large collection. For $5 each, if
you use the one or two times you are ahead considering that a typical bit is
3 to 5 times more expensive. If you do not have many bits now this would be
an excellent opportunity to get a bunch for not much money and use to
determine which you will use the most. If you find that these bits do not
hold up as expected you can replace that particular bit with one of higher
quality. Also, Woodcraft stands behind their products for 1 year.
The very minimum that I would recommend getting would be the straight bits,
round over bit, ogee bit, and the cove bit. That will set you back about
$25 + shipping.
"Mike O." <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> However, Woodcraft is now running their router bit sale. They have 10
> basic 1/2" shank bits, all for $5. I'd like to take advantage of this
> sale and purchase three or four bits, but I really don't have a feel
> for what bits I'm most likely to use, and I can't afford all 10 at
> this time (especially if I won't hardly use some of them).
>
> Sorry for the long winded build up, but my question is: Of the ones
> currently on sale at Woodcraft, What bits are the most likely I'll use
> for my needs; basic furniture and similar items.
I'm a firm believer in buying quality tools. I have, however, bought, used,
and am buying more of the $5 bits. No, they are not as good as Whiteside
and other prop quality, but they have done a pretty good job so far. A
roundover bit is about $25 from the better brands, but five of the cheaper
ones will last longer.
Get one roundover as they are handy for everything you make to break the
edge. Get a couple of the straight bits. From there, buy what you need when
you need it if money is tight. Rabbet bits are nice and probably used more
than a core box bit, but YMMV. Flush trim bits are good for when you make
zero clearance inserts or your saw.
Ed
Mike:
I have seen Woodcraft's ad for the $5 bits and honestly don't know about
their quality. They do, however sell sets of 10 and 20 that end up being a
little more than $5 - I believe their 20 bit set is around $139 but is on
sale, during much of the year, for $100. These are not top of the line bits
but they are carbide blades, seem to hold up fairly well and you get a
variety of types and sizes. Sets like these are good, economical things to
use for basics. When you need a specialized and more expensive bit, that
you think you will use a lot, spend your quality money there.
Also remember you can get more out of a router bit than the shape shown on
the box. For example, a kit might have 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" radius cove bits
but if you need a 1/8" radius you can often reveal just enough of an ogee or
similar bit to get the cut you need. That is what makes these cheape kits
nice to have in the shop.
>> Sorry for the long winded build up, but my question is: Of the ones
>> currently on sale at Woodcraft, What bits are the most likely I'll
>> use for my needs; basic furniture and similar items.
>
I don't often disagree with Greg, and I don't really in this case. However
(and there's generally a however), when I need a router bit which I don't
already have on hand, it stops what I'm doing, and sends me down to the
woodworker's store, in a frame of mind to spend. Seldom am I able to get
out of there with just the $9 blurfl (or $17 whatzzit) that I went in there
to purchase.
So the $50 I spent on the 10 piece set at Woodcraft today actually SAVED
money! Yea, that's it. I saved money by buying the set! Because I won't
go into the store and buy something I won't know I'll need, until I can't
find it, and have to buy another one....
These $5 router bits aren't Whiteside or Freud, but they are a really good
value for $5 each. If you consider that after a couple of hundred lineal
feet of routing, they start to get somewhat dull, then.... For a
commercial shop, I'd buy the Whiteside quality, and have them sharpened by
a good service.
The alternatives are hand tools, which our fathers and grandfathers
sharpened themselves.
Use that router safely. www.patwarner.com for details.
Patriarch
"Greg Millen" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> Well, that set me laughing. Now, let's both bare our souls for a
> minute, I bought a "kit" of 7 bits and have 3 that I have not used to
> date, though I have had to buy others that were not in the kit.
>
> How many of the 10 in your kit still retain their shine? <g>
>
> Greg
>
Only bought 'em this afternoon! They're ALL still shiny!
I had some stuff to go back to Woodcraft, tools that I bought as part of a
group of things to try to solve a problem. They said to bring back those I
didn't use/need, so I did.
This is a good retailer, and I feel well cared for. Of course, there have
been a couple of large pallets of Delta gear with my name on it pass
through there.
Patriarch
On 3 Sep 2004 06:15:33 -0700, [email protected] (Mike O.) calmly
ranted:
>I'm looking for some suggestions on router bits to purchase.
>Here's the situation: I've worked with basic woodworking for a while,
>but always "rough" stuff (deck, wooden playset), or basic stuff like
>shelves in the basement, garage, etc. I'm starting to get interested
>in making better quality items, like simple furniture (end tables,
>benches, etc.). This is just a hobby, not my job, so I'm not looking
>at needing top of the line, super heavy duty items.
>
>Recently I had an opportunity to get one of the Ryobi 1803 three base
>router kits (without going into all the details, a friend had one that
>was opened, but unused and he let me have it for $50. And no, it
>wasn't "hot"<G>). Along with the router he gave me a basic Harbor
>Freight 15 piece 1/4" shank carbide bit set. I know the harbor
>freight stuff is pretty much junk, but I figure if nothing else it
>would give me something to start with while I'm learning, and as my
>needs (and skill) improve I would buy better quaility bits as I need
>them.
>
>However, Woodcraft is now running their router bit sale. They have 10
>basic 1/2" shank bits, all for $5. I'd like to take advantage of this
>sale and purchase three or four bits, but I really don't have a feel
>for what bits I'm most likely to use, and I can't afford all 10 at
>this time (especially if I won't hardly use some of them).
>
>Sorry for the long winded build up, but my question is: Of the ones
>currently on sale at Woodcraft, What bits are the most likely I'll use
>for my needs; basic furniture and similar items.
Suggestion: Don't buy anything more until you need it.
Some other sale will be on by the time you need more.
Start using that cheapo 15-pc sets and see which bits
you use most often. Buy good versions of those and you
will still have the rest of the set for special occasions.
The C-2 carbide isn't bad at all and was all anyone used
about 15 years ago.
The bits I've used most often are the small roundover bit,
the laminate trimmer bit, and 1/2" straight bit.
----------------------------------------------------------
--== EAT RIGHT...KEEP FIT...DIE ANYWAY ==--
http://www.diversify.com/stees.html - Schnazzy Tees online
----------------------------------------------------------
On 3 Sep 2004 06:15:33 -0700, Mike O. <[email protected]> wrote:
> I'm looking for some suggestions on router bits to purchase.
> Here's the situation: I've worked with basic woodworking for a while,
> but always "rough" stuff (deck, wooden playset), or basic stuff like
> shelves in the basement, garage, etc. I'm starting to get interested
> in making better quality items, like simple furniture (end tables,
> benches, etc.). This is just a hobby, not my job, so I'm not looking
> at needing top of the line, super heavy duty items.
>
Okay, HUGE warning: Router bits and clamps are religions. Some might
say that Unisaw and Powermatic are religions, but compared to router
bits, saw are mere opinions.
An inexpensive set won't kill you, and will can give you ideas like,
"Hey, I'm using this thingy a LOT, so maybe it's worth getting a better
one."
If you get the bug, you might want to buy a couple bits from various
brands and see what works and what doesn't.
<blasphemy> For things like a 1/2" straight cutter, I've found the
Oldhams bits sold by HD to be Good Enough. <\blasphemy>
With more money, you get a better polish on complex profiles, plus
thicker carbide for more resharpenings. You also get better balance on
large diameter bits, but at that point you may want to think "Shaper."
I've been sampling bits from Whiteside, Amana, and CMT lately. All of
them seem to be Way Better Than Good Enough.
"Mike O." wrote in message ...
>This is just a hobby, not my job, so I'm not looking
> at needing top of the line, super heavy duty items.
Ok
> Recently I had an opportunity to get one of the Ryobi 1803 three base
> router kits .............I would buy better quaility bits as I need
> them.
My opinion: Kits are a waste of money unless you are buying matched bits.
You would buy the better quality bits soon after noticing the difference
between a low and high quality bit. By high quality, I don't necessarily
mean the best available.
> Sorry for the long winded build up, but my question is: Of the ones
> currently on sale at Woodcraft, What bits are the most likely I'll use
> for my needs; basic furniture and similar items.
I use straight flute for ploughing, ball bearing guide bits for truing and
round-over bits most often. I also use a keyhole bit for making jigs. I will
only buy other bits when a specific need arises.
> If nothing else, I thought I might lean toward three or four of the
> more expensive ones, figuring that if I end up needing the other ones
> after the sale, it won't be as much of a price jump.
Buy wisely, pay once, hurt once.
Greg